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The traditional slower season is nearing an end. The real estate community is preparing for the onslaught of buyers and second homeowners that start to make their appearance in the late fall and winter months.

We ponder the factors which economists use to rate Naples-Marco Island as a longterm opportunity. Let’s consider the following:

• The planned entry of retiring baby boomers into our marketplace.

• The favorable exchange rates which makes U.S. properties more affordable to our counterparts from Canada and Europe.

• Desirability of the luxury lifestyle and climate.

• The increased wealth accumulation in the U.S. with the desire of affluent buyers to enjoy their lifestyle. Naples-Marco Island affords wealthy owners an unparalleled lifestyle with beautiful beaches, outstanding boating, championship golf courses, fine dining, and unending social activities.

• Historical, longterm price appreciation.

• Tax advantages of Florida domicile.

Other considerations include positive news reports for our local and national real estate market. Take into consideration Naples-Marco Island’s eighth place rating as one of the “Best Cities for Doing Business.” Furthermore, the National Association of Realtors reported that July new home sales rose 2.8 percent.

Marco Island continues to show gradual, sustained growth in the marketplace. Overall, Marco Island experienced growth in the local market at a little under 1 percent. The local real estate market is also experiencing a drop in inventory levels. Inventory levels dropped 6 percent (through August 26) in comparison to the same time period last year.

The largest area for growth in sales can be found in the single family home market where sales have grown by 5.8 percent in year over year sales comparisons. Water indirect homes show the largest increase in sales at a rate of 46.7 percent; whereby, 42 percent of the water indirect homes that have sold in the past 11 months were built after 1999.

A water indirect access home built in 2002, recently sold for $1,200,000. This custom, two story frame home offers over 3500 square feet of living area. As you walk into the great room you encounter dramatic 22 foot ceilings and spectacular water views. The new owner will enjoy the quick boat trip to the Marco River. The Sellers originally bought the lot in 2000 for $244,000 to build their custom home.

Water direct homes have decreased in sales volume in year over year comparisons at a rate of 7.1 percent. Of the water direct homes that sold, 36.9 percent were built after 1999.

A water direct home previously sold in 1998 for $630,000 and recently sold again for $2,250,000. The home built in 1992 offers over 3200 square feet of living area, volume ceilings, tile flooring, paved driveway, and two boat docks. One of the docks can handle a boat up to 60’ long.

Inland homes show a decrease of 8.67 percent in sales volume. A little over 31 percent of the inland homes that have sold were built after 1999.

A recent inland home sale can be found within walking distance of the beach access at South Beach on Marco Island. This three bedroom, two bath home offers almost 1800 square feet of living, an oversized lanai, volume ceilings, and French doors. This home previously sold in 2004 for $360,000 and recently sold for $590,000.

When considering your dream home in paradise, consider the buying opportunities and selection available today that may be gone tomorrow. Don’t miss your chance to get your perfect dream home in paradise at today’s prices!

Look for my next article on the real estate market Oct. 5.

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Natalie Kirstein, MBA, Realtor, works for Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc., office (239) 642-2222, toll-free (800) 260-9081, e-mail NatalieK@premiermail.net; office located in The Esplanade, 760 North Collier Blvd., Ste. 101, Marco Island.